Deal reached for $167 million in Minn. flood relief

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton is calling lawmakers back to St. Paul Friday for a one-day special session to pass disaster relief for areas of the state hit hard by storms and floods this summer.

Dayton announced Wednesday that he had reached an agreement with House and Senate leaders on a $167 million package of state assistance. He had originally proposed $190 million in relief, but Republicans thought that number was too high.

During a news conference, Dayton said he was trying to meet the needs of the affected counties.

"This is all going to help people or repair the damage that was done," Dayton said. "We want it to be sufficient to the need. If it's not needed, we won't spend it, and it will go back to the general fund."

Dayton said the agreement will prevent legislators from voting on any amendments, or other bills unrelated to the disaster relief.

"I believe this agreement that the five of us have signed would preclude any amendments to the legislation, taking up any other legislation or anything that's extraneous to what we've agreed upon," he said.

Legislative committee hearings on the bill are planned for Friday morning, with floor sessions scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.

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